30727 marjorie (reply) RE: 30718: Hermantin(News) edison finally makes passing grade (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: marjorie <mvalb@starpower.net>


The Edison Senior High story makes me sad. While I understand the improved
score is a positive development, it is a small step nonetheless and not one
worthy of the self-congratulatory tone of those quoted in the story. The
comments by the principal and superintendent are celebratory and sound as if
a "D" grade is something to be proud of. True, it's better than an F, but
the Edison students will now go from being known as "the F kids" to "the D
kids." Talk about low expectations.

And I don't even know what to say about the ending with the pregnant 17
year-old.

Mr. Crew would do better to hold off boasting about good teaching until the
school gets a grade that's not widely regarded as below average. I don't
know many parents who would praise their children for getting a "D" on their
report card. And I don't imagine the teachers at Edison are going around
rewarding the students with the D averages.

The Haitian students at Edison, like all public school students, deserve
better.


Marjorie Valbrun